mmg.com.au

Echuca snake handler George Calleja has lost count of the number of snakes he has relocated this season.

Mr Calleja said he had never seen snakes so active in the region, with snakes being caught in rural and residential properties.

He said he and his sons had removed three snakes from Woodlands Circuit in the past week, as well as from inside a Northern Hwy property.

Mr Calleja said warm weather and the breeding season had made brown snakes active in recent weeks.

He said tiger snakes were also active later in the day, commonly seen in areas like a fernery, which was warm and wet.

‘‘When the weather gets hot, snakes will be out there, but more active early in the morning or late at night,’’ he said.

‘‘Mostly they have been seen in yards, but we had a couple of calls where the snakes have made their way inside. One was my parents’ (house) on Mitiamo Rd.’’

Mr Calleja said anyone who saw a snake on their property needed to remain calm, vigilant and call for help.

‘‘The biggest mistake people make is they panic, take their eyes off the snake and grab a shovel or a stick. The best thing to do is watch from a safe distance, remain calm and give us a call,’’ he said.

Mr Calleja said anyone needing his services could call Campaspe Shire, or himself on 0419 501 178.